What does a Plankton Net do?

A plankton net is made out of a fine mesh shaped in cone form, which is effective in trapping microscopic organisms called plankton. The wire net is connected to a metal structure for strength and durability. As the water passes through the net, plankton are trapped in and caught for further study and examination.

Plankton is divided into two species: phytoplankton, small-plant-like organisms and zooplankton, small-animal-like organisms. Phytoplankton play an important role in global oxygen production whereas zooplankton are common food sources for various marine species.

What is the importance of plankton?

Though plankton are small in size they are very crucial in maintaining marine biology and ecosystem. Almost half of the world’s oxygen is produced by Phytoplankton and they further absorb carbon dioxide thereby regulating global climate. 

Zooplankton also have an immense role in the overall balance of the food chain in the ocean as they are the main source of food for various fish and marine organisms.

The study of plankton can provide great insight into the environmental changes happening in the ocean and around the world. Water pollution, climate change, desalination of oceans or temperature changes can be studied by studying plankton. Changes in plankton population can also indicate various issues linked with marine environments and organisms, specifically larger sea organisms.

Types of Plankton Nets

A wide variety of plankton nets are used depending on the sampling needs. Some of the most commonly used plankton nets are:

Neuston Nets: effective in capturing surface dwelling plankton, they are used by skimming the upper layer of the ocean water, perfect for researching organisms that live on the surface.

Bongo Nets: Consisting of a pair of nets that are used to gather and collect plankton found at the lower depth of the ocean. Bongo nets are very effective in catching samples for various depths of the ocean by enabling horizontal towing.

Vertical Plankton Nets: Vertical nets are thrown in the ocean straight down and then brought back up to catch plankton from different levels. These types of nets are used for broad marine research and studies.

Choosing the appropriate mesh size is also critical. Smaller mesh sizes are intended to capture microscopic plankton such as nanoplankton, whilst higher mesh sizes are better suited for collecting larger creatures such as jellyfish larvae.

 Method of using plankton nets

A Plankton net is used by adjusting the sampling technique by dragging the net side and dropping it down in the ocean. The collection of samples can be done by either towing the net behind a boat or by dropping the net vertically and collecting samples directly from the ocean depths.

Certain nets are produced with flow meters that calculate the quantity of water flowing through them, offering precision in plankton tracking. After catching, plankton are then microscopically studied for their abundance, diversity, size and condition. This data is crucial in assessing and comprehending the general well-being of aquatic ecosystems.

Practical Uses of Plankton Nets in Everyday Life

Plankton nets have many other uses beyond academics and research. Plankton nets are widely used across many industries.

Fisheries and Aquaculture: The fishing industry relies on plankton nets for analyzing zooplankton populations, since they're critical for feeding economically significant fish species. Sustaining healthy plankton ecosystems is critical for environmentally sustainable fishing operations.

Climate Research: Scientists investigating climate change use plankton nets to track oscillations in plankton populations. Variations in the number of phytoplankton can have a global influence on the amount of carbon since they absorb CO2.

Environmental Monitoring: Plankton, being sensitive creatures, are useful to evaluate the water's state due to their sensitivity to pollutants. Environmental authorities use plankton nets to locate contaminants and assess the health of water bodies.

Taking care of your Plankton Net

To keep your plankton net in the best possible condition, follow these simple maintenance guidelines:

1- After the sampling process, rinse the net with clean water to remove salt and debris.

2- Allow the net to air dry out in an open space to prevent the formation of mould or fungus.

3- Routine examination: Check the wire mesh for rips or other damage that might affect the sample's quality.

4- Correct storage: Store your net in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Cover it with some cloth or paper to protect it from dirt, dust, debris and damage.

Explore the Realm of Plankton Study

Plankton nets are a practical way for scientists, students, and ocean lovers to examine the undersea environment. These simple yet efficient sensors provide crucial data on the state of marine ecosystems and are useful in a variety of sectors, including scientific research and environmental monitoring.

ADK Instruments offers an array of plankton nets suitable for different water sampling needs. Whether you need a small net for freshwater samples or a large one for marine research, our high-quality equipment is built for durability and delivers precision. Are you ready to dive in? Explore our selection of products today and begin your journey into the exciting world of plankton research!